Hamski, Joseph John

Staff Sergeant Joseph John Hamski was a 28-year-old U.S. Air Force explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technician assigned to the 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron, based at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany. A native of Ottumwa, Iowa, he had deployed to multiple locations, including Afghanistan, the Philippines, and the Horn of Africa, as part of his service.

On May 26, 2011, Hamski died in Shorabak, Kandahar province, Afghanistan. According to the Department of Defense, his death was the result of a hostile incident. He was reportedly killed by an improvised explosive device (IED) while conducting operations in the volatile region.

Hamski's death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. By 2011, the conflict was in its tenth year, marked by a surge of U.S. forces and intensified counterinsurgency operations, particularly in southern provinces like Kandahar where IEDs were a primary threat.

The Department of Defense publicly announced his death on May 27, 2011. His body was returned to the United States, and he was buried with military honors in Ottumwa, Iowa. His squadron commander described him as a dedicated and skilled technician.

Hamski is memorialized on the Air Force EOD Memorial at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. His name is also inscribed on the Iowa Veterans Memorial and is included in the National Fallen Heroes Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Joseph Hamski was killed during Operation Enduring Freedom (2001–2014). The conflict concluded in December 2014. See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.

Among those documented in the same conflict: Andrews, Evander Earl, Edmunds, Jonn Joseph, Stonesifer, Kristofor Tif, Davis, Bryant Leroy.

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